NATS 1880 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Late Heavy Bombardment, Continental Crust, Igneous Rock

• School: York University
• Department: Natural Science
• Course: NATS 1880
• Professor: Paul Delaney

Document Summary

Minerals: the basic pieces of solid rock; a particular mineral is distinguished from the other minerals by its chemical composition or crystal structure (or both) Rocks: intact solids that may contain a variety of minerals. We classify rocks into three basic types by their formation process: igneous rock is of volcanic origin, made when molten rock cools and solidifies. Sedimentary rock is made by gradual compression of sediments, which may contain bits of other rocks as well as fossils. Metamorphic rock was once either igneous or sedimentary but has since been transformed (but not melted) by high heat or pressure. Rocks of any of the three types may be sub classified by the minerals they contain. Fossil: any relic left behind by living organisms that died long ago. Geological record: the information about earths past that is recorded in rocks and fossils; the latter record is sometimes called fossil record.